Full Breakdown
Lawsuit Alleges Mercenaries Targeted Yemeni Politician for UAE
4/3/2026, 5:34:58 AM
Overview of the Allegations
A lawsuit has been filed against mercenaries Abram Golan, Issac Gilmore, and Dale Comstock, alleging their involvement in a botched assassination attempt on Anssaf Ali Mayo, a member of Yemen’s al-Islah political party. The legal action claims that the mercenaries were contracted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to carry out targeted killings in Yemen, with Mayo identified as a primary target due to his political affiliations.
Details of the Assassination Attempt
According to court documents, Golan and Gilmore founded Spear Operations Group in 2015 and negotiated a deal with the UAE for $1.5 million per month, plus bonuses, to conduct assassinations. The lawsuit details a specific plot to eliminate Mayo, who was linked to the UAE's adversary, the Muslim Brotherhood. The mercenaries allegedly planned to detonate explosives at the al-Islah party headquarters in Aden, followed by a shooting spree to eliminate any survivors.
Drone footage reportedly captured the chaotic scene, where Comstock detonated an explosive charge, leading to a significant explosion and subsequent gunfire. Mayo narrowly escaped the attack, suffering psychological trauma and currently living in exile in Saudi Arabia.
Recruitment and Operations
The lawsuit outlines how Golan and Gilmore recruited former military personnel, including Comstock, who was offered $40,000 a month to lead the assassination team. Golan allegedly orchestrated the operations from a luxury residence in San Diego, California, where he discussed plans with Comstock and others involved in the assassination program.
Broader Implications of UAE's Actions
The lawsuit also highlights the UAE's strategic motivations for its involvement in Yemen, citing concerns over Iranian influence, economic ambitions in the Gulf of Aden, and the desire to suppress the al-Islah party. A United Nations group of experts has indicated that the UAE may be responsible for multiple assassinations in Aden, further complicating the geopolitical landscape in the region.
Official Statements & Responses
Mayo is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, as well as a court order to prevent further targeting by the mercenaries. Golan, Gilmore, and Comstock have been named as defendants in the case. Golan has claimed that the Spear team continued to execute assignments for the UAE after the failed attempt on Mayo's life.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the UAE's actions argue that the use of mercenaries for targeted assassinations raises significant ethical and legal concerns. The involvement of former military personnel in such operations has sparked debate about accountability and the implications for international law.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the lawsuit presents a detailed account of the assassination attempt and the motivations behind it, there are discrepancies regarding the extent of the UAE's involvement in specific operations. The UN's findings suggest a pattern of assassinations, but the exact number and nature of these incidents remain contested.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There was a targeted assassination program in Yemen. I was running it. We did it. It was sanctioned by the UAE within the coalition,” — Abram Golan
- “I was gonna try to open the door, throw a couple hand grenades, and then just go in there and shoot everyone,” — Dale Comstock
This lawsuit underscores the complex interplay of mercenary operations, international relations, and the ongoing conflict in Yemen, raising questions about the future of accountability in such covert actions.
